Senior Living Facility Opens during Pandemic and Remains COVID Free!

CONROE, TX -- After opening in December 2019 the dedicated staff at Live Oak Senior Care facility in Montgomery on Lake Conroe was poised for an exciting first year when the pandemic hit. PPE became nonexistent in the early months. Staff worked endlessly to disinfect high touch areas while screening residents daily for any signs or symptoms of the dreaded COVID-19. And not a single resident or staff has contacted COVID 19!

The longevity of quarantined time challenged both residents and staff as the months continued to wreak havoc on the emotional well being of everyone. Families were isolated from loved ones. Protocols were in place to assist with FaceTime, window visits, phone calls, and sidewalk visits to add comfort to the residents. But nothing beats holding and hugging a loved one.

Seniors enjoy watching their favorite game shows and the news to stay on top of current affairs of the local area. Lately the news added additional fear about senior living facilities, fear for their family’s safety, and fear for the medical facilities and their own safety should they need to be hospitalized.

A 103-year- old resident was overheard saying, “If God brought us to it, He would take us through it'. It was seven months the facility remained on lockdown per Governor Abbott’s Executive Order. In August family visits were approved in designated areas with a protective shield and face masks worn by all. Seniors were scared that they will never be able to love as they have in the past. The sense of touch is calming, relaxing, and communicates reassurance. Without the sense of touch, seniors begin to feel disconnected and it affects their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Owner and Director of Live Oak Senior Care, Dr. Sue Horne, was employed for 37 years in the healthcare and education industry before finding her true passion. Dr. Horne has owned and operated healthcare facilities throughout Texas and is considered by her colleagues as turning failing facilities into prosperous successes by challenging the staff to always do better with honesty, integrity, love for others, and compassion.

“I give God all the glory for success”, shared Horne. She was overjoyed with emotion when she heard a resident say to her son that she would give anything in the world if she could hug him. “1 didn't need to turn away for her to have her wish come true. I overheard her say that she wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to hug her son again in her lifetime”.

Live Oak is now able to safely screen and allow escorted individual tours of the facility for potential new residents. The facility offers assisted living and memory care in a studio, one- or-two- bedroom floor plan. Residents enjoy a restaurant with specially prepared meals focused on senior health, a beauty shop, a cinema movie room, a chapel, library with internet, and a work-out facility. Social activities keep residents busy with Bingo, movies, fitness classes, and holiday parties.

“Thank you, family, friends, community and our elected officials for helping us through the storm so far. While we are still not letting down our guard, we believe the worst is behind us and we know that all of our prayers have been answered by keeping LIVE OAK SENIOR CARE on lake Conroe COVID-19 FREE!!” Sue Horne is so excited she put up a sign on the lawn.

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